On Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 6 p.m. at the Robert L. Taylor Community Center, 1845 34th Street, Sarasota, Police Chief Bernadette DiPino along with members of the Sarasota Police Department and United Sarasota and Harwood Institute Conversations, will hold another neighborhood and community meeting called ‘New Beginnings II,’ for business owners and residents in North Sarasota.

The January 15th meeting is an opportunity to have an open discussion about Community Orientated Policing and quality of life issues, including mental illness, directly with community members. This third meeting will be a continuation from two neighborhood meetings which were held in July 2014 and September 2014.

‘New Beginnings II’ is an update of a previous initiative, ‘A New Beginning for Newtown.’ This initiative is a chance to bring police and the community together to address crime, fear of crime and relationship building. "These meetings are a chance to continue the conversation about public and officer safety. We will continue to work together to keep our community safe, build relationships, trust and partner with our community to keep Sarasota a safe place to live, work and play," said Chief Bernadette DiPino.

Residents, community members, business owners and media are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting on January 15, 2015. Citizens are asked to arrive at 5:30 p.m., before the meeting begins, to fill out a survey on community safety and mental health. Coffee, water and light snacks will be provided and residents are welcome to bring their favorite dessert to share.